Respite care

Respite breaks can play an important role in reducing the stress on carers and giving them time to re-energise themselves. Philippa Hare looks at recent research that highlights the secret of a good break. 

OBJECTIVES: To compare the burden of supporting demented and non-demented mentally infirm elders in an English community; determine the prevalence of emotional distress in carers and to investigate the relationship between carer well being and duration of care giving.